Job Description

About the Company

Gordonstoun has been leading the way in character education for more than 90 years. Our uniquely broad curriculum provides challenge in the classroom, at sea and in the desert, on the stage and on the sports fields, and enables students to discover the truth in our motto - Plus Est En Vous - there is more in you.

In addition to challenge, all pupils and staff partake in service activities, which promote a sense of purpose and duty to our school community, Jubail Island, the UAE and the world.

We uphold the heart of Al Sanaa, a comprehensive set of authentic Emirati customs, traditions, and etiquette governing social behaviour, respect, and hospitality. Rooted in Arab culture, it embodies politeness, proper upbringing, and refined manners in daily life, such as honouring guests, respecting elders, and using appropriate etiquette.

The key focus of all staff at Gordonstoun Jubail Island is to enthuse pupils, promoting the highest possible academic attainment for each individual child, whilst actively modelling compassion, service and challenge for the young people of Gordonstoun. Through outstanding practice, all staff support students in all areas of school life.

Gordonstoun Jubail Island was founded on the conviction that while academic achievement is essential, it is not the sole purpose of education. Dr Kurt Hahn, founder of Gordonstoun, believed that young people flourish when their horizons are broadened alongside academic study - when they are stretched, challenged, nurtured and developed so they can grow into all that they can be.

Our curriculum and school life are built on four pillars:

Academic excellence - pursuing the highest standards of intellectual achievement
Outdoor education and adventure - developing resilience, teamwork and self-reliance
Service to others - contributing meaningfully to our community and the wider world
Character development - building integrity, compassion, responsibility and courage

This is not a job - it is a lifestyle.

About the Role

Provide strategic leadership for Inclusion across the whole School, ensuring that students from Early Years through Sixth Form are appropriately identified, supported, challenged and enabled to participate fully in school life as Gordonstoun Jubail Island grows. Lead the development and implementation of a whole-school approach to SEND / Students of Determination, learning support, English as an Additional Language, Gifted and Talented provision, counselling, student wellbeing support and individualised student support. Ensure inclusive education is embedded within curriculum, teaching, assessment, pastoral provision, admissions and the wider Gordonstoun experience. Ensure the School meets ADEK expectations, regulatory requirements and the Inclusion Education Framework, maintaining strong systems, documentation, evidence and inspection readiness. Promote a culture in which every student is valued, high expectations are maintained and barriers to learning, participation and wellbeing are identified and addressed. Work closely with the Principal, Senior Leadership Team, academic leaders, Pastoral, Admissions, teachers, parents and external specialists to ensure effective and coordinated provision for students. Lead and develop the School's Inclusion Team, including line management of the School Counsellor, with reporting lines and staffing structures evolving appropriately as the School grows. Maintain an appropriate teaching, intervention or student-support commitment where required by the needs of the School.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities of all members of staff

Comply with Gordonstoun's policies and procedures on Safeguarding, Child Protection and Health and Safety.
Model and contribute positively to the ethos of the School, in line with Gordonstoun's values: Compassion, Courage, Integrity, Service and Respect.
Undertake a service activity alongside pupils on a weekly basis and participate in character/challenge activities in accordance with the expectations of academic staff.
Carry out any other task reasonably required to support the School, which may include some evenings, Friday afternoons and weekend activities.
Play an active role in community events organised for children, families, staff and the wider community.
Actively and enthusiastically contribute where and as needed to build the Gordonstoun Jubail Island reputation and community.
Maintain appropriate confidentiality and protect pupil, parent, staff and School information and data.
Support and uphold the agreed policies and practices of the School and undertake other duties reasonably requested by the Principal.

Purpose of the Role

Provide strategic leadership for Inclusion across the whole School, ensuring that students from Early Years through Sixth Form are appropriately identified, supported, challenged and enabled to participate fully in school life as Gordonstoun Jubail Island grows.
Lead the development and implementation of a whole-school approach to SEND / Students of Determination, learning support, English as an Additional Language, Gifted and Talented provision, counselling, student wellbeing support and individualised student support.
Ensure inclusive education is embedded within curriculum, teaching, assessment, pastoral provision, admissions and the wider Gordonstoun experience.
Ensure the School meets ADEK expectations, regulatory requirements and the Inclusion Education Framework, maintaining strong systems, documentation, evidence and inspection readiness.
Promote a culture in which every student is valued, high expectations are maintained and barriers to learning, participation and wellbeing are identified and addressed.
Work closely with the Principal, Senior Leadership Team, academic leaders, Pastoral, Admissions, teachers, parents and external specialists to ensure effective and coordinated provision for students.
Lead and develop the School's Inclusion Team, including line management of the School Counsellor, with reporting lines and staffing structures evolving appropriately as the School grows.
Maintain an appropriate teaching, intervention or student-support commitment where required by the needs of the School.

Key Responsibilities

Inspirational and Strategic Leadership

Provide inspiring and purposeful leadership for Inclusion across the School, aligned with GJI's vision, mission, values and development priorities.
Develop and implement a clear whole-school Inclusion strategy, ensuring appropriate provision and progression across Early Years, Primary, Secondary and Sixth Form as the School grows.
Promote the principle that every student is valued and has the opportunity to participate, progress and achieve.
Embed inclusive practice as a shared responsibility across the School rather than solely the responsibility of the Inclusion Team.
Advise the Principal and SLT on strategic priorities, emerging needs, staffing requirements, resources and areas for improvement relating to Inclusion and student support.
Contribute to the School Development Plan, self-evaluation processes and